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Food Inspector Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Quality Inspector

Columbia, SC · On-site

$21.50/hr

Perform detailed inspection of all parts and / or assemblies. * Ensure that all engineering drawings provided match the product inspection. * Use manufacturing shop floor systems to verify that ...

PC Inspector

Columbia, SC · On-site

$23.03/hr

The Process Control Inspector is responsible for the product process monitoring activities in the filling, bulk, and packaging areas. Responsibilities include: product inspections, line clearance ...

Perform detailed inspection of all parts and / or assemblies. * Ensure that all engineering drawings provided match the product inspection. * Use manufacturing shop floor systems to verify that ...

PC Inspector

Columbia, SC · On-site

$23.03/hr

The Process Control Inspector is responsible for the product process monitoring activities in the filling, bulk, and packaging areas. Responsibilities include: product inspections, line clearance ...

Quality Inspector

Columbia, SC · On-site

$21.50/hr

Perform detailed inspection of all parts and / or assemblies. * Ensure that all engineering drawings provided match the product inspection. * Use manufacturing shop floor systems to verify that ...

This role will assist with inspection activities on roadway and transportation infrastructure projects, ensuring construction work is performed in accordance with plans, specifications, and ...

Quality Inspectors will drive job sites often and work with installers to ensure job sites meet our standards.Some labor from time to time will be required. This job is perfect for people with strong ...

Quality Inspectors will drive job sites often and work with installers to ensure job sites meet our standards.Some labor from time to time will be required. This job is perfect for people with strong ...

This role will assist with inspection activities on roadway and transportation infrastructure projects, ensuring construction work is performed in accordance with plans, specifications, and ...

This role will assist with inspection activities on roadway and transportation infrastructure projects, ensuring construction work is performed in accordance with plans, specifications, and ...

CEI Inspector Requisition Number: 2026-1610-09 S&ME is currently seeking entry-level to experienced CEI Inspectors to join our team within our Columbia, South Carolina office. Being a CEI ...

CEI Inspector Requisition Number: 2026-1610-09 S&ME is currently seeking entry-level to experienced CEI Inspectors to join our team within our Columbia, South Carolina office. Being a CEI ...

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Food Inspector information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$10.2K

$37.7K

$58.3K

How much do food inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for food inspector in Columbia, SC is $37,732.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,700.00 and $40,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food inspector?

To thrive as a Food Inspector, you need a solid understanding of food safety regulations, microbiology, and public health, usually supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with inspection tools, laboratory testing equipment, and reporting systems is essential for effective monitoring and documentation. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills help Food Inspectors identify risks and collaborate with various stakeholders. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure public safety, regulatory compliance, and the integrity of the food supply chain.

What are some common challenges food inspectors face during inspections, and how can they effectively address them?

Food Inspectors often encounter challenges such as non-compliance with safety regulations, language barriers with facility staff, and time constraints when inspecting multiple sites. To address these issues, inspectors rely on clear communication, detailed checklists, and ongoing training to stay current with evolving food safety standards. Building rapport with facility personnel and maintaining a thorough, objective approach helps ensure that all issues are identified and resolved efficiently, ultimately protecting public health.

What is the difference between Food Inspector vs Food Safety Officer?

AspectFood InspectorFood Safety Officer
Required CredentialsDegree in Food Technology, Microbiology, or related field; certification may be requiredSimilar qualifications as Food Inspector; often requires additional training in food safety standards
Work EnvironmentInspecting food production units, markets, and restaurantsOverseeing food safety compliance, conducting audits, and public awareness
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, food manufacturing, and inspection departmentsGovernment health departments, regulatory agencies, and food industry

Both Food Inspectors and Food Safety Officers work to ensure food quality and safety, often with overlapping roles. Food Inspectors primarily focus on inspecting food establishments and products, while Food Safety Officers handle broader compliance and public health initiatives. The roles are complementary, with similar qualifications and work environments, but differ slightly in scope and responsibilities.

What is a food inspector?

A food inspector makes sure that all food produced at a farm, processing plant, slaughterhouse, or other food production facility meets rigorous health and safety requirements before shipment. As a food inspector, your duties include performing physical inspections of the food, investigating health, sanitation, and safety practices at a facility, and writing reports based off of your investigations and interviews. You must be able to notice any potential for bacterial or other contamination and be willing to stop production to uphold public safety.

What are popular job titles related to Food Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC? For Food Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Food Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Food Inspector jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Food Inspector job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Inspector job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,732 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson rating

9.8

Company rating: 9.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 446 rated engineering


Job description

Job Description

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson is a dynamic, 100% employee-owned consulting firm with more than 2,800 professionals, providing a full range of multidisciplinary engineering, architecture, information technology, and related services to public agencies and private clients throughout the United States. JMT is currently ranked #45 on Engineering News-Record's list of the Top 500 Design Firms.

JMT's Construction Management Team is seeking Inspectors to apply standard inspection procedures on ongoing activities, in the state of South Carolina, during and after roadway and bridge construction for quality, safety and conformance to plans and specifications. 

Immigration sponsorship or support (e.g. H1B, F-1 CPT/OPT/STEM OPT) is not available for this position, except for qualified candidates eligible for the TN visa classification.

Higher level Inspector positions are also available in the SC and surrounding communities.  Qualified candidates with extensive experience in inspection and regulatory compliance are encouraged to apply. We offer training, professional career development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment aimed at fostering growth and excellence. Join us in ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality in the industry.

This position is available in multiple locations within South Carolina and can be discussed with the hiring manager during an interview.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

  • Review and interpret plans, site layouts, specifications and construction methods to ensure compliance to legal requirements and safety regulations. 
  • Performs routine tests on concrete, soils and other materials
  • Measure dimensions and verify level, alignment, and elevation of structures, fixtures, grades and/or pavement to ensure compliance to plans and codes.
  • Gathers and maintains record documents
  • Makes field notes and computations 

Nonessential Functions and Responsibilities 

  • Perform other related duties as assigned 

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